I’m participating in Randi’s Back to Homeschool Week. It’s so informative (and mildly entertaining) to read the responses.
My decision really came from my own home education experience. In my junior year my parents decided to give me the option of home education. I jumped at the chance. I regretted the social ramifications at first, but on the whole I really enjoyed it. I was challenged and inspired. From that time I knew I wanted that for my own kids.
In my senior year my mother started a BPA school in our church in our little town. That’s where I graduated in 1988 (class of 2!). I then went on to college and pursued a career as a registered nurse, always carrying the little embers of my desire to homeschool. I knew my children would be educated at home, so discussions with beaus always included that deal-breaker.
When my oldest dd was born I knew the countdown had begun. My Dh and I were in agreement that we would home educate until God said differently, so the fall after my dd turned 5 we launched out. Let me tell you that desire alone a teacher does not make. I never felt so ill-equipped in my life. It was frustrating because real life did not match my idyllic expectations. I had to take a step back and see what I needed to change.
New Year’s 2003 was a turning point for me. It was the end of our first semester and I was seeking the Lord about what to change. David Barton came to our church to speak and inspire us for the new year. The Lord reminded me that I had a copy of The Noah Plan at home. I went home and set out to change my little homeschool for the better. My mom helped with lots of resources and encouragement so my monetary investment at that time was minimal. I knew I was on the right track.
We had a bumpy road a first because the NP (and BPA in general) is not easy. But I have never had such wonderful results from anything else I’ve done. I make my own lessons now, for the most part. The NP was a little to much for me, but it got me moving in the right direction, and for that I’m grateful.
I have never regretted our homeschooling decision. It’s been the most exasperating rewarding thing I’ve ever done, by far. I am excited about what the future holds for my children as we learn from God’s Word together.
OK, this thing better take my comment this time. I saw your link on I have to say and rushed over to jump up and down that your season was short and here you are again.
And what do you mean if no one is reading? I have read almost every post you have written for almost two years now. So there. It isn’t my fault your thing here eats half my comments. You are still my neighbor I lean over the cyberfence to chat with. Or at least admire the garden since mine is so full of weeds.
Hey!
glad u r still here…as u can I’m still here too…just not blogging in the computer but blogging in my mind..sigh…so much I want to do in a day but seemingly so little time..once the NECESSITIES are out of the way it’s bedtime…so I still get your notices of when your blog is updated so I’m still reading. I’m also striving to work out this “homeschool thing” and more especially this “BPA homeschool thing” in my home and seeking God as to what form it should take. I feel so far off of what I think PA should be but I’ve had to become content in that it’s not my idea of what my homeschool should be but God’s and so I’ve had to rest in that and trust God to make up the difference in what may be lacking…
luv u girl and I’m glad to know we are still walking this road together in Our Precious Savior..! I love Him soooo much my eyes start to brim over with tears if I think about Him too long and all that He has done for me and just to reflect on how much He loves me!!
So there. I’m not the only one who looks forward to your writing. It is so good to see that it is something you always wanted to do and you are getting to achieve your desire.
I am complete agreement with Dana, although I hate to admit there are weeds growing in my garden.
Your blog has encouraged me for two years. You are an inspiration! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words ladies…and Wally!
Laides, I always thought of our blogs more like iron sharpening iron. And you all have been so helpful to me. Keep up the inspiration!